Brasília - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sent a congratulatory message to the president elect of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. In the note Lula says "It is time for the Palestinian people to move ahead in the direction of peace and prosperity." Lula also praised Abbas for his democratic spirit and willingness to negotiate, saying that those characteristics will make it easier for his people to "achieve the much-desired establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. In closing, Lula declared that Abbas "Can count on the support of the Brazilian people and their government."

Translation: Allen Bennett